The Iranian president has asserted that the nation has no choice but to move its national capital from Tehran to the south of the country due to the city's over-expansion, inadequate water supplies, and the increasing threat of land sinking.
Plan Raised with Supreme Leader
Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned that he had presented the proposal to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last year. He admitted that it had received a lot of opposition, but argued that the growing environmental problems were so severe that Iran now had a duty to move the capital, with no alternative.
He spoke during a visit to Hormozgan province, which is located on the Persian Gulf across from Dubai.
"This region is situated along the shores of the Persian Gulf and provides easy entry to the sea and the expansion of trade and economic relations. If we adopt a different perspective on the capabilities of this area, we can create a highly successful and developed region. It is inadequate to tolerate the present conditions and not create a well-researched and local plan for the years ahead," he stated.
Water Crisis Affecting Major Cities
"The challenges the country is currently experiencing necessitate us to steer the development path towards the Persian Gulf. Tehran, Karaj, and Qazvin are experiencing a severe water shortage, and this crisis cannot be easily solved."
Tehran has grown to a metropolis of more than 10 million people, and consumes almost a fourth of Iran's water supplies.
Previous Presidents Also Proposed the Issue
Previous presidents have previously raised the topic of moving the capital, including Hassan Rouhani, who even proceeded to develop a proposal with options.
Alarming Water Crisis Statistics
Pezeshkian has consistently warned about Iran's worsening water crisis. He said: "Last year, the precipitation was 140mm, while the standard is 260mm; that means rainfall has decreased by about 50 to 60%. This year, the condition is equally serious." Some recent estimates put the rainfall in 2025 at just below 100mm.
He added: "The reduction in water behind the dams, the depletion of some wells, and the high costs of transporting water from other areas all indicate the necessity for a change in approach. If we want to transport water from this area to Tehran, the cost per cubic meter will be up to €4."
Water Supply Breakdown and Challenges
Tehran's dams typically supplied 70% of the capital's water, with the other 30% supplied by groundwater. However, reduced precipitation and increased evaporation have reduced the dams' contribution and raised stress on underground water sources.
"Development without considering the effect on supplies and costs will lead to nothing but destruction. If someone cannot establish this balance, their development is bound to fail.
"In some regions, the land is subsiding by up to 30cm per year. This is a disaster and indicates that the water underground is running out."
